RETABLE (Fr. retable, a shortened

See also:

• FORM (Lat. forma)

form derived from Med.

See also:

• LAT

Lat. retrotabulum)  , a term of ecclesiastical art and architecture, applied in modern English usage to an altar-ledge or shelf, raised slightly above the back of the altar or communion table, on which are placed the cross, ceremonial candlesticks and other ornaments . Retables may be lawfully used in the church of England (Liddell £a° Beale, 186o, 14 P.C.) . Foreign usage of the term, as in French, is different, and where the word is kept with this foreign application, the distinction should be observed . The Med . Lat. retrotabulum (modernized retabulum) was applied to an architectural feature set up at the back of an altar, and generally taking the form of a screen framing a picture, carved or sculptured work in wood or stone, or mosaic, or of a movable feature such as the famous•Pala d' Oro in St Mark's, Venice, of gold, jewels and enamels . The foreign " r6table " is, therefore, what should in English be called a " reredos " (q.v.), though that is not in modern usage a movable feature .